History of Flight
On July 9, 2009, at approximately 1255 mountain daylight time, a North American SNJ-5 experimental airplane, registration N212TC, was destroyed after colliding with terrain near Simla, Colorado. A post-impact fire ensued. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight originated from Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver, Colorado, operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Four witnesses observed the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers for about 15 minutes. While they could not estimate the altitude, they noted the airplane was too high to discern details. They saw the airplane pull up vertically and execute a wing over or roll-type maneuver. The airplane then entered a spin that continued until it impacted the ground. All witnesses reported the engine running until impact.
Personnel Information
The 41-year-old pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land, and multi-engine sea. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on July 8, 2009, with no limitations.
According to his logbook, the pilot had accumulated 2,232 total flight hours, including 1,766 hours in single-engine airplanes and 637 hours in the accident aircraft type. He logged 36 hours in the previous 90 days and 11 hours in the preceding 30 days. His last biennial flight review was completed on December 13, 2007.
The pilot regularly performed at air shows, held a waiver for low-altitude aerobatics, and was race-certified in the T-6 class at the Reno National Air Races.
Aircraft Information
The 1944-model North American SNJ-5, serial number 12141732, was a low-wing experimental airplane with retractable main landing gear and tandem seating. It was powered by a Pratt and Whitney R1340-AN1 engine (serial number 42-12672) rated at 550 horsepower, driving a two-bladed Hamilton Standard variable pitch propeller.
The last annual airframe inspection occurred on July 19, 2008, with a tachometer reading of 608.2 hours and 4,777.5 total airframe hours. The last annual engine inspection was also on July 19, 2008, with a tachometer reading of 608.2 hours and 672.1 hours since overhaul.
According to an acquaintance, the airplane’s horizontal tail had been replaced with an SNJ-2 (AT-6) horizontal tail at an undetermined time.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at Centennial Airport at 1253 were reported as: temperature 71°F, winds variable at 6 mph, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 7,000 feet, and scattered clouds at 12,000 feet.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted a rural grass pasture. The fuselage from the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer forward to the engine firewall was mostly consumed by fire. The inboard half of the left wing and the inboard four feet of the right wing were also largely burned. All flight control surfaces were present, and cable continuity was verified from the surfaces to the forward cockpit floor. Damage prevented continuity verification from the cockpit floor to the forward control stick and rudder pedals.
The engine and pitot tube were embedded in the ground at a 55-degree angle. Propeller blade A was protruding vertically, attached to the hub, with its outboard third bent aft about 45 degrees, chordwise scratches, and leading edge polishing. Blade B was embedded and found bent aft against the lower engine cylinders with leading edge polishing. No anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the El Paso County coroner on July 10, 2009, attributed the pilot's cause of death to thermal injuries and blunt force trauma.
The FAA Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory conducted toxicological testing. Tests for carbon monoxide and cyanide were not performed; no volatiles or drugs were detected.
Additional Information
The USAF Flight Handbook for the T-6G (an Air Force derivative of the SNJ-5) states the minimum altitude for intentionally entering a spin is 10,000 feet above ground level. Normally certificated SNJ-5 airplanes (non-military) were not certified to perform spins.